A briefing session will be held to help businesses understand a system under which the government will pre-certify capabilities to prevent illegal spam before it takes effect.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Communications Commission said on April 24 they will hold a business briefing in Seoul on April 28 with the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) on the transmission qualification certification system and improvements to registration requirements.

The transmission qualification certification system requires the Korea Communications Commission to certify whether a party seeking to operate a bulk text messaging transmission business has the capacity to prevent illegal spam. A revision to the Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Act related to the system was approved at a cabinet meeting on April 21 and will be promulgated and take effect on April 28 along with a related public notice.

At the briefing, the Korea Communications Commission will explain the background to introducing the system, how to apply for transmission qualification certification and certification screening procedures. The Ministry of Science and ICT will provide guidance on the main details of tougher registration requirements for bulk text messaging providers and matters related to regular inspections. KISA will explain certification standards by dividing them into 5 areas and 16 items through guidelines, and will outline the documents and proof methods required for certification applications.

The Korea Communications Commission plans to conduct an annual regular inspection of certified providers to check whether certification standards are being maintained, including through visits, written reviews or phone calls, and to explain the criteria for cancelling certification.

The Ministry of Science and ICT will explain strengthened registration requirements and an annual inspection plan, including rules for exiting bulk text messaging providers that leave illegal spam unchecked, such as failure to meet registration conditions or cancellation of certification, as well as technical measures, clarification of information security staffing requirements, paid-in capital requirements and transmission qualification certificates.

Businesses that want to attend the briefing session can pre-register through the Illegal Spam Response Center and visit the venue.